Read More

"We are here in this world to achieve something and once we are done we can then leave to do something else.

"I do think Davide did what he was supposed to in this chaotic world, and now he has move onto something new."

In the translation - independently done by Mirror Online - he added: "In the world there are thousands of kids who die because of malnutrition etc and I think the effects are different.

"People do not react the same way to that issue which is such an important matter.

Davide Astori passed away on Sunday night (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

"So like I said, I am very sad, his family must have lost someone who was a loved one - even though he was just a colleague to me."

But the full-back's comments were slammed by people still reeling from Astori's death.

Twitter user Carlo Garganese said: "Dani Alves' comments on Astori are a disgrace. He’s right about children dying every day but have some sensitivity. Shameful person."

Mohammad Butt added: "I understand Alves sentiment, because poor kids (especially black and brown kids) in the global south are so often forgotten in the West’s collective grief. But man.

"You can feel bad about the kids and still be sad about Astori".

However others were more sympathetic towards Alves, and says the translation is to blame for any 'insensitivity' and they were actually beautiful words on his passing.

Initial reports said Astori suffered a heart attack but criminal proceedings have been opened following allegations of manslaughter, reports Gazzetta.

“We have opened criminal proceedings over the hypothesis of manslaughter,” Antonio de Nicolo, Udine chief prosecutor, told Radio Rai.

“For now, it’s been brought against unknown persons. We’ve arranged an autopsy, which will be performed soon.”

A giant banner reading "Ciao Captain" (Image: AFP)

Fans learn the news (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Football fans hang scarves (Image: AFP)

An autopsy is taking place on Astori's body on Monday to confirm the cause of death.

Fans left scarves and flowers outside the Fiorentina stadium on Sunday after all Serie A matches were postponed.

La Viola were due to face Udinese on Sunday and had been preparing at the Hotel La' Di Moret, where Astori died.

Davide Astori (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Astori with Fiorentina (Image: Getty Images Europe)

A club statement released by Fiorentina read: “Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died.

“For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media.”

Read More

Astori, who started his career at AC Milan, enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A.

He spent six years with Cagliari, making 174 appearances for the Sardinians. In 2014 he joined Roma on loan, before joining Fiorentina the following year.

He made his Italy debut against Ukraine in March 2011, being sent off in Kiev, but would win 14 caps for the Azzurri, scoring once - against Uruguay in the Confederations Cup third place playoff in 2013.